Chapter 12 – Encountering Islam: The Straight Path of the One God (Van Voorst, Robert E. World RELG4: Introduction to World Religions (4th ed.). Boston: Cengage MindTap, 2018)
ISBN: 9780357701010 We learn what the religion of Islam is all about from the context of its history, sacred scriptures, beliefs and practices, code of ethics, etc. You will now use the information gleaned in the chapter to expand upon particular elements of Islam enumerated below:
Islamic Symbols and Names (.5 pages)
Identify a common Islamic symbol and explain its significance
Consider the following:
History/Origins of the symbol
Important religious figure(s) associated with the symbol and their involvement with it
How is the symbol utilized by Muslims today?
Is it used during prayer/worship?
Is it worm as an outward sign of faith?
Distinguish between the terms ‘Islam’ and ‘Muslim’ as it relates to the Islamic faith
Life of the Prophet Muhammed (.5-1 pages)
Discuss who the Prophet Muhammed was and the impact that he had on Islam.
Describe 2 key events from the Prophet Muhammed’s life.
Address how these events are commemorated by Muslims today
Sacred Scriptures (.5 pages)
Analyze what the Qur’an is and assess upon how Muslims use it today
Consider the following:
Importance of particular Surahs in the Qur’an
How the sacred text came into existence
Important religious figures mentioned in the Qur’an
Beliefs and Practices (2 – 3 pages)
In the religion of Islam there is set of beliefs that all Muslim’s must follow. These are known as the Articles of Faith and their foundations are found in the Qur’an. The 6 articles of faith tell Muslims what to believe in and then the 5 Pillars of Islam explain how to implement these beliefs in their daily lives.
Interpret the meaning of each of the Six Articles of Faith (1-1.5 pages)
Belief in the Oneness of Allah (God)
Belief in the Angels
Belief in the Books of Allah
Belief in the Prophets of Allah
Belief in the Day of Judgement
Belief in the Divine Decree – Will of Allah
Articulate the significance of each of the Five Pillars of Islam listed below and demonstrate how these pillars are lived out by Muslims today (1-1.5 pages)
Shahadah – Profession of Faith
Salah – Prayer
Zakah – Almsgiving
Sawm – Fasting
Hajj – Pilgrimage
Submission Instructions:
When completing this written post, the following guidelines must be followed.
Post must be typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman font & double-spaced.
Each section of the post must include a section title on a separate line (ex: Christian Symbols, Christianity in Context, etc.).
Each section must incorporate at least 1 direct quotation from wither the course text (World RELG4: Introduction to World Religions) or one of the databases/encyclopedias available through St. Thomas University Library with an appropriate citation.
The post should be formatted per current CMOS and adhere to the page length requirements outlined above.
will be assessed through Turnitin.
